Elgin Area Historical Society facts for kids
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"Old Main", home of the Elgin Historical Society
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| Established | 1987 |
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| Location | 360 Park Street Elgin, Illinois |
| Type | Local history |
The Elgin History Museum is a cool place where you can learn all about the past of Elgin, Illinois. It's run by the Elgin Area Historical Society, a group that works hard to save and share Elgin's history. You can find the museum at 360 Park Street, right on the Elgin Academy campus.
The museum is located inside a historic building called "Old Main." This building holds the museum, offices, places for research, and even a gift shop. It's a great spot to explore Elgin's rich history!
Contents
Discovering Elgin's Past
The Elgin Area Historical Society was started in 1961. Local writers and historians like LaRoy Morning and E. C. Alft helped create it. For many years, the Society didn't have its own building. They kept historical items in members' homes or in the basement of the Gail Borden Public Library District.
The Story of Old Main Building
The Society found its permanent home in the "Old Main" building in 1987. This building first opened on December 1, 1856. It was originally a private school called the Elgin Academy. Old Main is famous for its beautiful Greek Revival style. It was the first building in Elgin to be added to the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1911, lightning caused a fire that damaged the roof. The roof was rebuilt, but without its unique gabled shape and cupola. The Elgin Academy used the building until 1969. Then, money problems and new safety rules meant the building had to be left empty.
Saving a Landmark
In 1976, the City of Elgin decided to save Old Main. This was part of a special project for the country's 200th birthday. A local merchant named John Spiess started a "Buck-a-Brick" fundraiser. People bought 150,000 bricks for a new plaza. This helped Elgin buy the building.
Even after another fire in 1978, the outside of Old Main was fixed up by 1980. In 1981, the city let the Historical Society use the building. With more money from donations and volunteers, the inside was made ready for the museum. The Society moved into the first floor in 1987. By 1991, they were using all three floors!
The Reber Research Library
The museum also has the Reber Research Library. This library is named after Clarence Reber. He was a former president and a big supporter of the Society. The library has many old photographs of Elgin from Elmer Gyllek's collection. It also has thousands of old photo negatives from the Elgin Courier News newspaper.
You can find records about old Elgin homes here. The library even has production records for most Elgin National Watch Company watches made before the 1950s. If you want to know more about a specific watch, they can help you!
Museum Exhibits to Explore
The Elgin History Museum has many interesting exhibits. They show a general overview of Elgin's history. You can also see special displays on important local events. These include the watch industry, the Elgin Road Races, and The Song of Hiawatha Pageant. This pageant was a local show based on a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It entertained people in Elgin for over 50 years!
The Society also creates special traveling exhibits. These have included "Deep Roots, Green City: City Planning in Elgin" and "The Jewish Experience in Elgin." These exhibits tell stories of immigration and identity in Elgin.
Fun Activities and Education
The Society offers tours and special "brown bag" lunches. These lunches feature talks on different historical topics. The Society especially works with schools and children. They partner with Elgin Area School District U46. This helps teachers learn more about American history.
The Society also has educational programs just for kids. They offer a summer history camp. You can also go on history-themed scavenger hunts. Plus, there are chances to learn about Elgin's watch-making past and its amazing buildings.
Cemetery Walk Adventure
Every autumn since 1988, the Society holds a special walk. It takes place in Elgin's historic Bluff City Cemetery. During the Cemetery Walk, actors dress up in costumes. They pretend to be people who are buried there. They tell stories about their lives and personalities. You can also learn about old cemetery customs and ceremonies.
